Used only in the proverb, "to pass through a needle's eye" (Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25; Luke 18:25). Some interpret the expression as referring to the side gate, close to the principal gate, usually called the "eye of a needle" in the East; but it is rather to be taken literally. The Hebrew females were skilled in the use of the needle (Exodus 28:39; 26:36; Judges 5:30).

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) A small instrument of steel, sharply pointed at one end, with an eye to receive a thread, -- used in sewing.

2. (n.) See Magnetic.

3. (n.) A slender rod or wire used in knitting; a knitting needle; also, a hooked instrument which carries the thread or twine, and by means of which knots or loops are formed in the process of netting, knitting, or crocheting.

4. (n.) One of the needle-shaped secondary leaves of pine trees. See Pinus.

5. (n.) Any slender, pointed object, like a needle, as a pointed crystal, a sharp pinnacle of rock, an obelisk, etc.

6. (v. t.) To form in the shape of a needle; as, to needle crystals.

7. (v. i.) To form needles; to crystallize in the form of needles.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

NEEDLE

ne'-d'-l (rhaphis): The word "needle" occurs only 3 times, namely, in the reference to Christ's use of the proverb: "It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24Mark 10:25Luke 18:25). This saying ought to be accepted in the same sense as Matthew 23:24, "Ye blind guides, that strain out the gnat, and swallow the camel!" Christ used them to illustrate absurdities. A rabbinical parallel is cited, "an elephant through a needle's eye." Some writers have attempted to show that rhaphis referred to a small gate of a walled oriental city. No evidence of such a use of the word exists in the terms applied today in Biblical lands to this opening. "Rich man" here has the connotation of a man bound up in his riches. If a man continues to trust in his earthly possessions to save him, it would be absurd for him to expect to share in the spiritual kingdom where dependence upon the King is a first requisite.

The fact that needles are not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible should not be taken to indicate that this instrument was not used. Specimens of bone and metal needles of ancient origin show that they were common household objects.

The Needle of the Compass of Need.... The Need The Needle of the Compass of Need. Let us look a little at these peoples. ... So we'll begin there. The needle of a magnetic compass always points north. .../.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the needle of the compass.htm

Acts of Peter and Andrew.... Peter says to him: One thing I say unto thee: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to go into the kingdom of heaven. .../.../unknown/acts of peter and andrew/acts of peter and andrew.htm

On Riches... Second Series Sermon 108 On Riches. "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." .../.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 108 on riches.htm

The Self-Communication of God... The load-stone attracts the needle, and the needle receives the magnetic power, so that it can also attract other needles and draw them to the load-stone. .../.../eckhart/meister eckharts sermons/v the self-communication of god.htm

How Servile Fear Remains Together with Holy Love.... Although, however, the lady we spoke of will not leave her needle in her work after it is finished, yet as long as there remains anything to be done in it, if .../.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvii how servile fear.htm

On the Physical Basis of Life.... and contrast him with the invisible animalcules"mere gelatinous specks, multitudes of which could, in fact, dance upon the point of a needle with the same .../.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/vii on the physical basis.htm

A Ribband of Blue.... best, is only relative. A needle may be a perfect needle, in every respect adapted for the work for which it was made. It is not ...//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/a ribband of blue.htm

His Amusements and Occupations... The use which he made of the needle must not be forgotten. For a year and a half, whilst at Canterbury, he went regularly for five .../.../murray/kalli the esquimaux christian /his amusements and occupations.htm

Needle's (3 Occurrences)...Needle's (3 Occurrences). ... Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God." (WEB ASV BBE). .../n/needle's.htm - 7k

Point (106 Occurrences)... the sharp end of a piercing instrument, as a needle or a pin. ... 5. (n.) The mark made by the end of a sharp, piercing instrument, as a needle; a prick. .../p/point.htm - 40k

Easier (8 Occurrences)... Matthew 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God." (WEB KJV WEY ASV .../e/easier.htm - 8k

Simpler (6 Occurrences)... Matthew 19:24 And again I say to you, It is simpler for a camel to go through aneedle's eye, than for a man with much money to go into the kingdom of God. .../s/simpler.htm - 8k

Stylus (2 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) That needle-shaped part at the tip of the playing arm of phonograph which sits in the groove of a phonograph record while it is turning, to detect the .../s/stylus.htm - 7k

Rich (140 Occurrences)... Matthew 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God." (WEB KJV WEY ASV .../r/rich.htm - 37k

Camel (13 Occurrences)... of a rich man's entering into the kingdom, our Lord uses the proverbial expression that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19 .../c/camel.htm - 21k